Meet Our Team

We recognize that all our patients are unique and deserve to receive orthodontic care that reflects their individual needs. Our experienced and talented team is committed to working with you and your family to create a comfortable, stress-free, and rewarding orthodontic experience every time you visit our practice.

We are pleased to welcome you and your family, and we look forward to working with you.

Melanie

Office Manager/Marketing Coordinator

I joined the practice in 1999 as a receptionist. Over the years I have had the opportunity to work in many different areas eventually ending as the Office Manager. After so many years with RFO they have truly become an exstension of my family. I greatly enjoy helping to maintain our practice and the excellent service we strive to give our patients and community. I also enjoy educating the public about the new technologies in orthodontics, coming up with creative ways to market our office, planning social events, and finding ways to be involved with our local community through programs, festivals and schools.

I was born and raised in New Bern. I spend my free time with my family and friends. My favorite place in the world is the beach and I enjoy pretty much anything outdoors.

Laura

Administrative Assistant

For 29 years, I was a military spouse of an active-duty Marine. Over those 29 years, we moved 10 times and raised two incredible kids. Our son Nick is in the Navy, and our daughter, Morgan, is an NC State graduate headed to the University of Alabama for graduate school. I was a stay-at-home mom for 13 years and returned to school in 2010 to become a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, working in both VA and NC. I subsequently decided to leave the medical field, served as a Family Readiness Officer for a Marine Squadron on Cherry Point, and then worked with military families enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program. After a brief break from the working force, I happily joined the Rankin and Fiume team where I once again get to engage with, and support families in and around the New Bern area. Based on my experiences in 7 states and one overseas location, as well as those with several career changes throughout the years, I have found that working as a member of Dr. Rankin’s and Dr. Fiumes’ team has been among the most enjoyable I have had. Not only do they treat their team like we are family, they treat every one of their patients as if they were family members. The staff is among the best of group of people with whom I have worked and they immediately made me feel like a contributing and valuable member of the team. When I am not in the workplace, you will often find me pursuing outdoor adventure in the form of hiking, kayaking, or spending a day on the boat in the beautiful Eastern North Carolina waterways.

Angie

Administrative Assistant

I have been an orthodontic assistant since 1995 and joined the practice in 2001. I recently joined the Administrative team and am enjoying the change. I have two boys and enjoy spending time with them and my dogs. Although I live close to an hour from New Bern, I don’t mind making the drive to work each day because I enjoy working with such a great team in a really fun environment!

Shelia

Insurance Coordinator/ Practice Analytics

I have been part of the team since 2000 and now am blessed to work remotely from my home in Charleston, SC. I wear many hats but specialize in orthodontic insurance. When I’m not working, you may find me and my husband anywhere in the world! From comedy clubs and concerts to the beach and mountains, just say “Let’s go!” I also love to run, practice yoga and most anything that gets me moving.

Kim

Bussiness Office Coordinator

I have been with the Rankin & Fiume team since 2002 and the lead assistant for half a dozen years. I am an eastern North Carolina native. I am married and we have two wonderful boys. In my spare time, I enjoy being with my family, shopping, lying by the pool, and being at any field watching my son play baseball. I enjoy working with such an amazing team and doctors that have a great passion for their practice!

Erin

Financial Coordinator/ Business Office

I have worked in the financial department at Rankin & Fiume Orthodontics since October 2015. I enjoy meeting new people and helping patients achieve beautiful smiles! I live in Dover, NC with my husband and our three dogs; yorkies Tito & Elliott and our black lab Boone. When I’m not working you can find me spending time with family and friends, cooking, catching up on my shows, working in my flower beds or boat riding. My favorite place to visit & relax is OBX!

Kaylee

Administrative Assistant

I started working with Dr. Rankin and Dr. Fiume in 2014 as an assistant. My favorite appointment for patients is by far the day they get their braces removed! I love seeing the patients’ expression when they see their smile for the first time without braces. I’m a native of eastern North Carolina. When I’m not at work, I enjoy spending time with my family and fur baby, Zoe. In addition to spending time with family, I enjoy competitive distance running, relaxing at the beach, and crocheting.

Kay

Treatment Coordinator

I have been a treatment coordinator with the practice since our family moved to New Bern in 2009. Every day, I enjoy welcoming new patients to our practice and helping existing patients in their journey toward beautiful smiles! I graduated from Penn State University in 1993 where I earned my BS in biology/physiology, and have worked in the orthodontic field since then.

When I’m not busy making people smile in our office, I enjoy spending time with my husband Tom and our four boys, who are now in college and beyond! In my free time, you will find me downtown or relaxing at the beach.

Alyssa

Treatment Coordinator

I have been in the orthodontic profession for more than 20 years, starting as a chairside assistant and recently transitioned into the role of treatment coordinator. I enjoy spending time with my two children and family dogs, Phin and Odin. In my spare time I enjoy refinishing furniture and bonfires with friends!

Elizabeth

Obs Coordinator

I came to Rankin & Fiume Orthodontics in 2018 for a treatment evaluation and ended up with braces AND a job! Two of the best decisions I’ve ever made :) As an observation coordinator, I enjoy getting to know our patients and their families as they begin their ortho journey.

I’m originally from Atlanta and have called New Bern home since 1989. I enjoy spending time with my husband and our four fur babies. My greatest passion is for animals and nature! In my free time, I enjoy walking, boating, hiking and gardening.

Pam

Lead Lab Technician

I have been working with Rankin & Fiume Orthodontics for more than a dozen years. I started in 2004 as a dental assistant and now serve as a lab technician overseeing our on-site lab facility, where the majority of our retainers and appliances are made. I live in New Bern with my husband Rickey and together we have three children (Kenly, Kameron, and Chloe), and two fur babies that we rescued, Oaklee and Spike. I enjoy relaxing on the river on our boat or at the beach with family and friends or just listening to music by our bonfire.

Darlene

Clinical Director

I found my passion at Rankin and Fiume Orthodontics as a 12 year old patient. Through the Smile For A Lifetime Foundation, my smile was transformed. I knew I wanted to be apart of this team to share the gift of a beautiful smile. I officially joined the practice in 2018 as a sterilization tech. After my daughter was born later that year, I was transitioned into an assistant. During my 7 years as an assistant, I graduated from CCC with an Associate in Arts Summa Cum Laude, became happily married, and had a son. Finally in 2025, I was appointed Clinical Director. I have to thank my RFO family for my achievements! When I’m not at the office you’ll catch me gardening, painting, dancing hula, doing yoga, and spending time with my family.

Heather

Clinical Assistant

I have worked at Rankin & Fiume Orthodontics since 2014. I started as a sterilization tech before joining the clinical team as an assistant. I love working with paitents! Outside of work I'm usually spending time with friends, family and my Chocolate lab Milo or as I like to call him my little monster. My favorite place to be is Disney World, when I do get to go I never want to leave!

Brenda

Clinical Assistant

I joined the Rankin & Fiume team in June 2016 as one of the sterilization technicians and an orthodontic assistant. I love seeing all the different faces around the office and getting to know each person that I meet. I get along great with everyone and love to smile.

Amanda

Clinical Assistant

I began my dental assisting career in general dentistry in 2019. As a previous patient of Rankin and Fiume Orthodontics, I loved the atmosphere and energy within the office and amongst the staff and Doctors. When given the opportunity, I was gracious to land a job working for this practice in April of 2021! Orthodontic assisting is full of challenges, but it is so fulfilling to help patients achieve the smile they’ve always dreamed of!
Outside of the office, I love trying new restaurants, spending time with family and friends and loving on my fur baby, Jewel. .

Lexi

Clinical Assistant/ Social Media Coordinator

Growing up I always had an interest in teeth. I've had the privilege to be a part of the RFO team as a patient since about the age of 8. While attending school I had the opportunity to spend time @ ECU Dental School where I found my passion for orthodontics. Upon graduation I was welcomed as an employee at this great practice. If you would have told the little 8 year old me that I would one day work here, I may not have believed you (LOL). I've had the privilege to be treated by both of our great doctors and know first hand what an awesome job they do. I'm thankful for all the learning opportunities and experiences I've had along this journey and can't wait to see what the future holds.

Amara

Lab Technician

Meilani

Clinical Assistant

I joined the Rankin and Fiume orthodontic team in May 2024.

Cristal

Lab Technician

I joined the Rankin and Fiume Ortho team as a Lab Technician in October 2021. I have a beautiful family of 7. Our five children are 14, 12, 8, 2 and an infant. I enjoy spending my free time with family and love the beach and parks.

Melanie

Office Manager/Marketing Coordinator

Laura

Administrative Assistant

Angie

Administrative Assistant

Shelia

Insurance Coordinator/ Practice Analytics

Kim

Bussiness Office Coordinator

Erin

Financial Coordinator/ Business Office

Kaylee

Administrative Assistant

Kay

Treatment Coordinator

Alyssa

Treatment Coordinator

Elizabeth

Obs Coordinator

Pam

Lead Lab Technician

Darlene

Clinical Director

Heather

Clinical Assistant

Brenda

Clinical Assistant

Amanda

Clinical Assistant

Lexi

Clinical Assistant/ Social Media Coordinator

Amara

Lab Technician

Meilani

Clinical Assistant

Cristal

Lab Technician

Destiny

Clinical/Sterilization Technician

Caitlyn

Clinical Assistant

Jessica

Clinical Assistant

Taylor

Clinical Assistant

Tori

Clinical Assistant

Emma

Clinical Assistant

Cammie

Sterilization Technician

Lezly

Sterilization/ Clinical Technician